Long Beach Island Guidebook & Map

32 PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 31 JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK AND NATURE CENTER 1100 Double Trouble Road Beachwood, (732) 281-2750 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," the 400- acre Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities. The Nature Center in the park highlights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless pine forest can be taken in from the observation deck atop the Nature Center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, ten- nis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails. The tot lot, picnic grove, and open playing fields appeal to children of all ages. THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATION 7th Street and Navajo Drive Waretown, (609) 698-8003 www.experiencebarnegatbay.org Owned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and sit- uated on 194 acres of diverse coastal habitat adja- cent to Barnegat Bay in Ocean Township, there are a variety of opportunities to explore the maritime forest, salt marsh, two tidal streams, and a fresh- water impoundment on this unique site. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and woodland wildlife including fiddler crabs, songbirds, otter, turtles, deer, and fox. The Lighthouse Center is the perfect setting for groups to truly experience the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay through hands-on and meaning- ful contact with its resources. This former "Camp for the Blind" was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and transferred to the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife as part of their ongoing commitment to the Barnegat Bay watershed. The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey operates the Center in partnership with the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife as a premier natural resource education facility. LOCHIEL CREEK COUNTY PARK Barnegat Boulevard North (westbound side), Barnegat, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Opened in 2014, this hidden gem covers over 177 acres of forests and wetlands. The entrance road winds among pines and blueberries into a quiet and pristine setting. Amenities include a comfort station with restrooms, ample parking, and a 1.75 mile marked nature trail. The trail highlights the park's diversity as it meanders through rolling hills that are relic sand dunes from a time when the area was a prehistoric beach. The trail also crosses Lochiel Creek, the park's namesake, which harbors populations of federally threatened wildflowers and strange carnivorous plants. Along with native orchids and wetland shrubs, there are plenty of wildflowers to see throughout the growing season. The parking area also serves as a trailhead where vis- itors can access the 6.5 contiguous miles of the Barnegat Branch Trail via a short connector trail. MILL CREEK COUNTY PARK AND FLORENCE T. ALLEN CONSERVATION AREA 110 and 111 Chelsea Avenue Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Mill Creek County Park is located in Berkeley Township between Pine Beach and Ocean Gate. Cedar chip trails, the Mill Creek, the Toms River, and three playgrounds make this a sce- nic and inviting park. The park's 14 acres offer the perfect spot for a family picnic under the pavilion or at one of several secluded picnic tables. Basketball, conservation area, trails, grills, restrooms, handicapped accessible. This park is also the future site of the Ocean County Sailing Center. The Florence T. Allen Conservation Area consists of 45 acres of cedar swamp and uplands bordering Mill Creek. These wetlands protect Mill Creek as it flows into the Toms River. PARKERTOWN PARK Dock Road, Little Egg Harbor (609) 296-7241 This small park offers a getaway for locals and visitors alike. Its bayfront location offers an ideal spot for a picnic with family and friends under the pavilion. The playground will provide hours of entertainment for the kids. Picnic tables, restrooms, handicapped accessible. Lochiel Creek County Park in Barnegat. courtesy of Ocean County Parks and Recreation

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